Community grants support local non-profit organizations who foster community engagement, promote healthy, active and inclusive communities, support diversity and accessibility, and deliver activities to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of Saint John residents.
Grants are available in three categories. Please refer to the Community Grants Program Guide for complete eligibility criteria.
Grant Categories
- Organizational Grant: Provides initial seed funding to support organizations with their operating expenses, including administrative and maintenance costs. This grant is only available to an organization for a maximum of two (2) consecutive years.
- Project Grant: Supports a short-term initiative with a clear start and completion date.
- Event Grant: Supports events that promote wellness, physical and leisure activity, culture, social engagement and/or community celebrations.
Funding Tiers
Funding tiers provide a range of eligible grant awards based on the size and scope of the operations, project or event. The larger the operations and scope of the applicant, the larger the eligible tier. Maximum funding is not guaranteed.
| Tiers | OPERATIONal | project | event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 $1,000 - $5,000 |
Annual operating budget below <$100,000 | Total budget less than <$30,000 | Total budget less than <$30,000 |
| Tier 2 $5,000 - $10,000 |
Annual operating budget exceeds $100,000< | Total budget exceeds $30,000< | Total budget exceeds $30,000< |
| Tier 3 $10,000 - $20,000 |
Annual operating budget exceeds $500,000< | Total budget exceeds $75,000< | Total budget exceeds $75,000< |
The Community Grant Program's funding envelope is subject to the City of Saint John's Annual Operating Budget process. Annual funding is not guaranteed. The Annual Operating Budget must be approved by Common Council. This generally takes place by mid-December.
Grant Sectors
There are four (4) Grant Sectors. You can only apply for one (1) Grant Sector. Your application must demonstrate how your organization, project or event will achieve the sector's desired outcomes. Please refer to the Community Grant Program Guide for complete details.
- Inclusive Community Sector: To enhance accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion and strengthen residents' sense of belonging
- Vibrant Community Sector: To promote, preserve and enhance local art, culture and heritage
- Green Community Sector: To promote the use, preservation and sustainability of existing parks, trails and green spaces and the beautification of public spaces
- Engaged Community Sector: To improve individual and community wellness through participation in sport, recreation, cultural and community activities
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Applying for a Community Grant
Applications are available online and open in the days following Common Council's approval of the Annual Operating Budget in December. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.